Tanzania Safari with the Masai Mara

Welcome to East Africa! Your journey begins with a scenic drive to the outskirts of the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. Your chalet awaits at Lake Duluti Lodge, inside an active coffee farm. Bask in the African sun for the afternoon or perhaps take a stroll around the beautiful gardens.

Set out on your scenic road transfer to Tarangire with your professional guide. Pass by undulating hills and arrive at Santuary Swala Camp inside Tarangire National Park in time for lunch. Settle into your stylish tent and watch wildlife from your verandah overlooking the waterhole and sweeping plain beyond, before heading out on your first game drive in the park. Be on the lookout for elephant, leopard, lion, and cheetah, enjoy sundowner cocktails and a night game drive before returning to camp for a delightful dinner.

Rise with the sun and drive with your guide amidst the Baobab trees in search of wildlife. After a full morning, return to camp for brunch and a short nature walk in the vicinity of camp. On foot, small wonders are revealed and tell a different story of life in the bush. Partake in teatime snacks and an afternoon game drive. Return to camp for a relaxing evening with a sumptuous dinner and stories traded around the campfire.

After breakfast, take a drive through Lake Manyara National Park en-route to the lush Ngorongoro highlands. Dine on a picnic lunch alongside thousands of rose-colored flamingos. Then join some locals in the village of Mto Wa Mbu on foot or on bike for an in-depth look at their daily lives. Arrive at Plantation Lodge in the late afternoon. After settling in, you may opt to stroll the grounds of the property.

Days begin early in the bush. Just after dawn, head out for the nearby Ngorongoro Crater either by drive or for the more adventurous on foot (which is a 6 to 7-hour round trip hike) to experience wildlife at its most active. The crater is a huge volcanic caldera formed about 2.5 million years ago when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. Here you can view the Big Five in high concentration with a stunning backdrop of the crater walls. In the late afternoon, return to Plantation Lodge and experience a local working coffee farm with the staff who will answer questions about the coffee-growing process.

This morning, you will be driven to the local airstrip for your short flight to the Serengeti. Views of the herds from above are spectacular. Arrive at your Serengeti Migration Camp in time for lunch and spend the afternoon watching wildlife saunter nearby from your extra comfortable tent or the lounge. Join your camp guide for a drive into the wilds of this famed natural wonder. Return to camp for a lovely dinner and cocktails around a roaring fire before laying your head to rest.

Today is all about exploring one of Africa’s great wilderness areas. Your expert field guide will get you up close and personal with wildlife in the camp’s 4×4 vehicle. Lunch will be served in a scenic spot under the shade of trees. Once you have had your fill of African wildlife for one day, head back to camp for an unforgettable dining experience under the night sky.

This morning, rise early and set out as the sun begins to rise. This is the time of day when wildlife is most active. This is a fabulous opportunity to see the great wildebeest and zebra migration, large herds of plains game and the highest concentration of predators in Africa! Return to camp for a full breakfast. Time for a siesta, laze in the shade or enjoy a good book. After lunch and high tea, set out for one final game drive in the Serengeti, stopping to watch the sunset with cocktails and appetizers. Return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip your flight to Kenya. You’ll be met and transferred to Richards River Camp situated in a private concession adjacent to Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara. Enjoy a lunch overlooking a dramatic river then settle into your safari tent or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Head back to camp for an elegant dinner in the middle of the African bush. After dinner, retire to the warmth of the campfire where brandies and liqueurs are served as you reflect on your memories of the day.

After a pleasant cup of coffee and some light biscuits, head out towards the Masai Mara Game Reserve for a full morning in the park. As the sun rises, stop under a tree for a hot breakfast right in the bush! Spot wildlife like lion, cheetah, elephant and perhaps even the elusive leopard! Return to camp in time for a late lunch and afternoon visit with the local Maasai village. Head out for another game drive or opt for a guided bush walk to stretch those legs. A private and secluded clearing is prepared for your evening meal where you will dine by candlelight. Let the beauty and tranquility of the African night lure you into a peaceful slumber.

This morning wake early for a truly once in a lifetime experience; a hot air balloon ride over the Mara plains. After silently gliding over Kenya’s big game for an hour, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush. Spend the afternoon relaxing, reading and resting in camp before heading out on an afternoon bush walk. For your last evening, enjoy sundowners around the campfire followed by a traditional dinner under the stars, communal style.

Today we bid farewell to Africa. You will be driven to the local airstrip where you will take a short flight back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. A driver and vehicle will be available to you for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping. In the evening, transfer to Nairobi’s International Airport to embark on your journey back home.